EP0082368B1 - Apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers - Google Patents

Apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0082368B1
EP0082368B1 EP82111167A EP82111167A EP0082368B1 EP 0082368 B1 EP0082368 B1 EP 0082368B1 EP 82111167 A EP82111167 A EP 82111167A EP 82111167 A EP82111167 A EP 82111167A EP 0082368 B1 EP0082368 B1 EP 0082368B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
chamber
nozzle
hot air
peroxide
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP82111167A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0082368A1 (en
Inventor
Norbert Prof. Dr. Buchner
Günther Vögele
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Publication of EP0082368A1 publication Critical patent/EP0082368A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0082368B1 publication Critical patent/EP0082368B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for sterilizing packaging containers according to the preamble of the main claim.
  • a device of this type known for example from DE-OS 25 09 611
  • a hot air / hydrogen peroxide vapor mixture is blown into a chamber, to which the containers to be sterilized, for example cups, are fed.
  • Peroxide condenses on the relatively cold walls of the containers and develops its germicidal effect there.
  • the peroxide deposit is flushed out with hot air. This exhaust air, enriched with peroxide, and the used hot air-peroxide mixture flowing out of the chamber are led outside through a filter.
  • the known device Apart from the fact that in the known device the hot air-peroxide vapor mixture is not free of peroxide droplets which are not completely removed after being placed on the container walls during rinsing, so that they come into contact with the goods filled into the container, the known device has the disadvantage of high sterilant and hot air consumption. This means a high expenditure of energy and, if the filter is not in order, a high annoyance for the operating personnel in the work area. For these reasons, it is desirable to have a sterilizer that has low sterilant and hot air consumption.
  • the problem discussed in the prior art is solved in a simple manner.
  • the fact that the hot air and sterilizing agent / steam mixture is continuously circulated means that the expenditure of heating energy and sterilizing agent is adjusted to the actual consumption.
  • the annoyance of the operating personnel is minimal.
  • the measures specified in the subclaims enable advantageous developments and refinements of the sterilizing device specified in the main claim.
  • claim 2 it is shown how in the area of the container to be sterilized, a targeted hot air sterilizing agent vapor mixture guidance is made possible, in which a uniform precipitation of sterilizing agent is achieved on the walls of the container used in the chamber.
  • claims 3 and 4 the device is designed for particularly high output, since at the time of opening the changeover valve the correct mixture flows into the container and past its walls without detour.
  • FIG. 1 shows a sterilizing device for cup-like containers, simplified and partly in section
  • FIG. 2 shows a sterilizing chamber of the device according to FIG. 1 in the loading and unloading position.
  • the sterilizing device for cup-like packaging containers 3 comprises a sterilizing chamber 5, a circulating fan 6, an air heater 7, a preparation device 8 for a hot air / sterilizing agent vapor mixture and a storage container 9 for sterilizing agents.
  • the sterilization chamber 5 is essentially formed from a stationary vessel part 11 open at the top and a cover 12 which can be lifted off.
  • the lid 12 is fastened and lowered to the piston rod 13 of a pneumatic working cylinder 14.
  • On its underside it has holding clamps 15 for holding a container 3 to be sterilized on an edge 4 protruding from the bottom thereof.
  • the vessel part 11 is composed of a jacket 16 and a base piece 17.
  • a nozzle 20 with an upper outlet opening 21 protrudes from the bottom piece 17 into the vessel 11.
  • the nozzle 20 largely fills the interior of the container 3 to be sterilized in such a way that, in the case of a container 3 inserted into the vessel part 11 with the lid 12, between the outside of the container Nozzle 20 and the container inner walls remain a uniform, narrow gap.
  • the height of the jacket 16 of the vessel part 11 is dimensioned such that when the lid 12 is resting, the container 3 held by it on the bottom edge 4 with its open end is at a distance from the bottom piece 17 which is adapted to the width of the gap described above.
  • a pipe socket 23 is located coaxially within the nozzle 20 and is also inserted in the base piece 17.
  • This pipe socket 23 surrounds an inner discharge channel 22 and, together with the inside of the nozzle 20, delimits an annular supply channel 24 between the outlet opening 21 of the nozzle 20 and the upper end of the pipe socket 23, a double-cone valve body 25 is movable, which in its upper position Outlet opening 21 of the nozzle 20 and in its lower position closes the pipe socket 23.
  • the valve body 25 is moved up and down by a pneumatic working cylinder 27 via a rod 26.
  • the discharge channel 22 of the pipe socket 23 opens at its lower end into a transverse bore 28 and the feed channel 24 between the pipe socket 23 and the nozzle 20 into a transverse bore 29 in the base piece 17.
  • a ring 30 with an annular groove 31 surrounds the jacket 16 of the vessel part 11. Breakthroughs 32 in the jacket 16 and an opening 33 in the ring 30 connect the interior of the vessel part 11 via the annular groove 31 to a line 35.
  • This line 35 leads via a check valve 36 and a line 37, which with the transverse bore 28 in Bottom piece is connected to the suction side of the circulation fan 6.
  • a line 38 also leads to this suction side via a check valve 39.
  • the circulating fan 6 is connected via a line 40 to the air heater 7, which has a steam-heated container 41 and a heat exchanger coil 42.
  • the air-conducting heat exchanger coil 42 is connected via a line 43 to the inlet 44 of the processing device 8, the outlet of which is connected via a line 45 to the transverse bore 29 in the base piece 17.
  • the preparation device 8 which is used to generate the hot air-sterilizing agent vapor mixture used to sterilize the containers 3, is constructed in the manner of an exchange column. It has a cylindrical chamber 48 with a bed 53 of packing, chips or the like, into which a perforated tube 49 projects from above, which is connected via a line 50 and an adjustable throttle valve 51 to the pressurized reservoir 9.
  • the chamber 48 is surrounded by a steam-heated double jacket 52.
  • the line 45 is connected at its upper end.
  • the device described works as follows: In order to process the mixture of hot air and sterilant vapor used for the sterilization of packaging containers 3 in the sterilization chamber 5, the circulating blower 6 promotes partly circulating air from the sterilizing chamber 5 and partly fresh air sucked in via the line 38 and the check valve 39 through the Air heater 7 and the treatment device 8.
  • the hot air which is heated to about 125 ° C. in the air heater, flows in the treatment device 8 from below through the bed 53 of the basket 48. Thereby, it takes sterilizing agent evaporating through heat, preferably 35% hydrogen peroxide down to one the saturation limit.
  • the peroxide which is liquid at room temperature is metered by the adjustable pressure built up in the head space of the storage container 9 through the adjustable throttle valve 51 and the pipe 49 and is distributed there.
  • the hot air loaded with peroxide vapor flows through the line 45, the transverse bore 29 and the feed channel 24 in the nozzle 20 in the sterilization chamber 5.
  • a container 3 to be sterilized is freely inserted with its opening downward into the vessel part 11 and the working cylinder 27 has pulled the valve body 25 into the lower position in which it closes the pipe socket 23 and the outlet opening of the nozzle 20 opens (Fig. 1), the hot air-peroxide vapor mixture flows as a result of excess pressure against the bottom of the container 3, is deflected there, then brushes downward in the annular gap between the nozzle 20 and the inside of the container jacket and from there around the opening edge of the container 3 again above through the annular space between the outside of the container jacket and the inside of the jacket 16 and through its openings 32 in the annular channel 31 and from there through the lines 35, 36, 38 to the suction side of the circulation fan 6.
  • the hot air / peroxide vapor mixture is conducted in a continuous cycle both during the sterilization phase and in the intermediate phases in which the sterilization chamber 5 is loaded and unloaded.
  • the sterilization chamber 5 forms part of the main circuit, and parallel to this the discharge channel 22 in the pipe socket 23 and the transverse bore 29 form a bypass.
  • the mixture feed into the sterilization chamber 5 After the mixture feed into the sterilization chamber 5 has been shut off, it remains closed for about 3 seconds in order to let the peroxide act. Another option is to open the chamber and let the peroxide deposit continue to work when the package is open. This way the peroxide evaporates more easily. Then the lid 12 with the container 3 is pulled up. During the exposure time, the condensed peroxide begins to evaporate again when the container wall is heated in the sterilization chamber 5 heated during operation. The small amount of peroxide dries completely when the sterilization chamber 5 is opened. Any remaining peroxide residues can then be dried out by blowing in dry hot air.
  • the sterilized, dry container 3 is then fed directly to the filling and closing. These treatments take place in a sterile room in which the sterilization chamber 5 is also arranged.
  • the exemplary embodiment shown and described has only one sterilization chamber 5.
  • a plurality of containers or container parts are sterilized at the same time and which, for this purpose, has a plurality of sterilization chambers fed by a single mixture preparation device or a plurality of nozzles in a single sterilization chamber and have switching valves.
  • the openings 32 forming the outlet of the sterilization chamber and the collecting ring 30 are arranged at the lower end of the jacket 16 of the vessel part 11 near the base piece.
  • the outlet for the mixture in a central position on the lid of the sterilization chamber.
  • the package can of course also stand, i.e. the container of the sterilization chamber can be rotated by 180 °. Displacers, supply and discharge lines can then be connected to the movable part, as can the side walls of the bell-shaped container.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren von Verpackungsbehältern nach der Gattung des Hauptanspruchs. Bei einer beispielsweise durch die DE-OS 25 09 611 bekannten Vorrichtung dieser Art wird ein Heissluft-Wasserstoffperoxiddampfgemisch in eine Kammer geblasen, der die zu sterilisierenden Behälter, beispielsweise Becher, zugeführt werden. An den relativ kalten Wänden der Behälter kondensiert Peroxid und entwickelt dort seine keimtötende Wirkung. In nachfolgenden Stationen wird der Peroxidniederschlag mit Heissluft ausgespült. Diese mit Peroxid angereicherte Abluft und das aus der Kammer abströmende, verbrauchte Heissluft-Peroxidgemisch werden über ein Filter ins Freie geführt. Abgesehen davon, dass bei der bekannten Vorrichtung das Heissluft-Peroxiddampfgemisch nicht frei von Peroxidtröpfchen ist, die nach dem Absetzen auf den Behälterwänden beim Spülen nicht völlig entfernt werden, so dass sie mit dem in die Behälter eingefüllten Gut in Berührung kommen, hat die bekannte Vorrichtung den Nachteil eines hohen Sterilisiermittel- und Heissluftverbrauchs. Dies bedeutet einen hohen Energieaufwand und, falls das Filter nicht in Ordnung ist, eine hohe Belästigung des Bedienungspersonals im Arbeitsraum. Aus diesen Gründen ist eine Sterilisiervorrichtung erstrebenswert, die einen niedrigen Sterilisiermittel- und Heissluftverbrauch hat.The invention relates to a device for sterilizing packaging containers according to the preamble of the main claim. In a device of this type, known for example from DE-OS 25 09 611, a hot air / hydrogen peroxide vapor mixture is blown into a chamber, to which the containers to be sterilized, for example cups, are fed. Peroxide condenses on the relatively cold walls of the containers and develops its germicidal effect there. In subsequent stations, the peroxide deposit is flushed out with hot air. This exhaust air, enriched with peroxide, and the used hot air-peroxide mixture flowing out of the chamber are led outside through a filter. Apart from the fact that in the known device the hot air-peroxide vapor mixture is not free of peroxide droplets which are not completely removed after being placed on the container walls during rinsing, so that they come into contact with the goods filled into the container, the known device has the disadvantage of high sterilant and hot air consumption. This means a high expenditure of energy and, if the filter is not in order, a high annoyance for the operating personnel in the work area. For these reasons, it is desirable to have a sterilizer that has low sterilant and hot air consumption.

Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention

Mit der Sterilisiervorrichtung nach der Erfindung wird das im Stand der Technik erörterte Problem in einfacher Weise gelöst. Dadurch, dass das Heissluft-Sterilisiermitteldampfgemisch kontinuierlich im Kreislauf geführt wird, ist der Aufwand an Heizenergie und Sterilisiermittel dem tatsächlichen Verbrauch angepasst. Die Belästigung des Bedienungspersonals ist minimal. Durch die gleichmässige Beladung der Heissluft mit verdampftem Sterilisiermittel gemäss dem Ausführungsbeispiel hat das Gemisch eine optimale Aufbereitung ohne Sterilisiermittel-Tröpfchen.With the sterilizing device according to the invention, the problem discussed in the prior art is solved in a simple manner. The fact that the hot air and sterilizing agent / steam mixture is continuously circulated means that the expenditure of heating energy and sterilizing agent is adjusted to the actual consumption. The annoyance of the operating personnel is minimal. Due to the uniform loading of the hot air with vaporized sterilizing agent according to the exemplary embodiment, the mixture has an optimal preparation without droplets of sterilizing agent.

Die in den Unteransprüchen angegebenen Massnahmen ermöglichen vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Ausgestaltungen der im Hauptanspruch angegebenen Sterilisiervorrichtung. Mit Anspruch 2 wird aufgezeigt, wie im Bereich des zu sterilisierenden Behälters eine gezielte Heissluft-Sterilisiermitteldampfgemisch-Führung ermöglicht wird, bei der ein gleichmässiger Niederschlag von Sterilisationsmittel an den Wänden des in die Kammer eingesetzten Behälters erreicht wird. Mit den Ansprüchen 3 und 4 wird die Vorrichtung für besonders hohe Ausbringung ausgestaltet, da zum Zeitpunkt des Öffnens des Umschaltventils ohne Umweg das richtige Gemisch in den Behälter und an dessen Wänden vorbeifliesst.The measures specified in the subclaims enable advantageous developments and refinements of the sterilizing device specified in the main claim. With claim 2 it is shown how in the area of the container to be sterilized, a targeted hot air sterilizing agent vapor mixture guidance is made possible, in which a uniform precipitation of sterilizing agent is achieved on the walls of the container used in the chamber. With claims 3 and 4, the device is designed for particularly high output, since at the time of opening the changeover valve the correct mixture flows into the container and past its walls without detour.

Zeichnungdrawing

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen Fig. 1 eine Sterilisiervorrichtung für becherartige Behälter vereinfacht und teilweise im Schnitt und Fig. 2 eine Sterilisierkammer der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in Be- und Entladestellung.An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. 1 shows a sterilizing device for cup-like containers, simplified and partly in section, and FIG. 2 shows a sterilizing chamber of the device according to FIG. 1 in the loading and unloading position.

Beschreibung des AusführungsbeispielsDescription of the embodiment

Die Sterilisiervorrichtung für becherartige Verpakkungsbehälter 3 umfasst eine Sterilisierkammer 5, ein Umwälzgebläse 6, einen Lufterhitzer 7, eine Aufbereitungseinrichtung 8 für ein Heissluft-Sterilisiermitteldampfgemisch und einen Vorratsbehälter 9 für Sterilisiermittel.The sterilizing device for cup-like packaging containers 3 comprises a sterilizing chamber 5, a circulating fan 6, an air heater 7, a preparation device 8 for a hot air / sterilizing agent vapor mixture and a storage container 9 for sterilizing agents.

Die Sterilisierkammer 5 wird im wesentlichen gebildet aus einem ortsfesten, oben offenen Gefässteil 11 und einem abhebbaren Deckel 12. Der Deckel 12 ist heb- und senkbar an der Kolbenstange 13 eines pneumatischen Arbeitszylinders 14 befestigt. Auf seiner Unterseite hat er Halteklemmen 15 zum Festhalten eines zu sterilisierenden Behälters 3 an einem von dessen Boden abstehenden Rand 4. Der Gefässteil 11 ist aus einem Mantel 16 und einem Bodenstück 17 zusammengesetzt. Vom Bodenstück 17 ragt in den Gefässteit 11 eine Düse 20 mit einer oberen Auslassöffnung 21. Die Düse 20 füllt den Innenraum der zu sterilisierenden Behälter 3 grösstenteils so aus, dass bei einem in den Gefässteil 11 mit dem Deckel 12 eingesetzten Behälter 3 zwischen der Aussenseite der Düse 20 und den Behälterinnenwänden ein gleichmässiger, schmaler Spalt verbleibt. Die Höhe des Mantels 16 des Gefässteils 11 ist so bemessen, dass bei aufliegendem Deckel 12 der von diesem am Bodenrand 4 gehaltene Behälter 3 mit seinem offenen Ende vom Bodenstück 17 einen Abstand hat, der der Weite des oben beschriebenen Spalts angepasst ist.The sterilization chamber 5 is essentially formed from a stationary vessel part 11 open at the top and a cover 12 which can be lifted off. The lid 12 is fastened and lowered to the piston rod 13 of a pneumatic working cylinder 14. On its underside it has holding clamps 15 for holding a container 3 to be sterilized on an edge 4 protruding from the bottom thereof. The vessel part 11 is composed of a jacket 16 and a base piece 17. A nozzle 20 with an upper outlet opening 21 protrudes from the bottom piece 17 into the vessel 11. The nozzle 20 largely fills the interior of the container 3 to be sterilized in such a way that, in the case of a container 3 inserted into the vessel part 11 with the lid 12, between the outside of the container Nozzle 20 and the container inner walls remain a uniform, narrow gap. The height of the jacket 16 of the vessel part 11 is dimensioned such that when the lid 12 is resting, the container 3 held by it on the bottom edge 4 with its open end is at a distance from the bottom piece 17 which is adapted to the width of the gap described above.

Gleichachsig innerhalb der Düse 20 befindet sich ein Rohrstutzen 23, der ebenfalls im Bodenstück 17 eingesetzt ist. Dieser Rohrstutzen 23 umgibt einen inneren Abführkanal 22 und begrenzt aussen zusammen mit dem Innern der Düse 20 einen ringförmigen Zuführkanal 24. Zwischen der Auslassöffnung 21 der Düse 20 und dem oberen Ende des Rohrstutzens 23 ist ein doppelkegeliger Ventilkörper 25 bewegbar, der in seiner oberen Stellung die Auslassöffung 21 der Düse 20 und in seiner unteren Stellung den Rohrstutzen 23 abschliesst. Der Ventilkörper 25 wird über eine Stange 26 von einem pneumatischen Arbeitszylinder 27 auf- und abbewegt.A pipe socket 23 is located coaxially within the nozzle 20 and is also inserted in the base piece 17. This pipe socket 23 surrounds an inner discharge channel 22 and, together with the inside of the nozzle 20, delimits an annular supply channel 24 between the outlet opening 21 of the nozzle 20 and the upper end of the pipe socket 23, a double-cone valve body 25 is movable, which in its upper position Outlet opening 21 of the nozzle 20 and in its lower position closes the pipe socket 23. The valve body 25 is moved up and down by a pneumatic working cylinder 27 via a rod 26.

Der Abführkanal 22 des Rohrstutzens 23 mündet an seinem unteren Ende in eine Querbohrung 28 und der Zuführkanal 24 zwischen dem Rohrstutzen 23 und der Düse 20 in eine Querbohrung 29 im Bodenstück 17. Nahe seinem oberen Ende umgibt ein Ring 30 mit einer Ringnut 31 den Mantel 16 des Gefässteils 11. Durchbrüche 32 im Mantel 16 und ein Durchbruch 33 im Ring 30 verbinden den Innenraum des Gefässteils 11 über die Ringnut 31 mit einer Leitung 35. Diese Leitung 35 führt über ein Rückschlagventil 36 und eine Leitung 37, die mit der Querbohrung 28 im Bodenstück verbunden ist, zur Saugseite des Umwälzgebläses 6. Ebenfalls zu dieser Saugseite führt eine Leitung 38 über ein Rückschlagventil 39.The discharge channel 22 of the pipe socket 23 opens at its lower end into a transverse bore 28 and the feed channel 24 between the pipe socket 23 and the nozzle 20 into a transverse bore 29 in the base piece 17. Near its upper end, a ring 30 with an annular groove 31 surrounds the jacket 16 of the vessel part 11. Breakthroughs 32 in the jacket 16 and an opening 33 in the ring 30 connect the interior of the vessel part 11 via the annular groove 31 to a line 35. This line 35 leads via a check valve 36 and a line 37, which with the transverse bore 28 in Bottom piece is connected to the suction side of the circulation fan 6. A line 38 also leads to this suction side via a check valve 39.

Druckseitig ist mit dem Umwälzgebläse 6 über eine Leitung 40 der Lufterhitzer 7 verbunden, der einen dampfbeheizten Behälter 41 und eine Wärmetauscherschlange 42 hat. Die luftführende Wärmetauscherschlange 42 ist über eine Leitung 43 mit dem Einlass 44 der Aufbereitungseinrichtung 8 verbunden, deren Auslass über eine Leitung 45 mit der Querbohrung 29 im Bodenstück 17 in Verbindung steht.On the pressure side, the circulating fan 6 is connected via a line 40 to the air heater 7, which has a steam-heated container 41 and a heat exchanger coil 42. The air-conducting heat exchanger coil 42 is connected via a line 43 to the inlet 44 of the processing device 8, the outlet of which is connected via a line 45 to the transverse bore 29 in the base piece 17.

Die Aufbereitungseinrichtung 8, die zum Erzeugen des zum Sterilisieren der Behälter 3 verwendeten Heissluft-Sterilisiermitteldampf-Gemisches dient, ist nach Art einer Austauschsäule aufgebaut. Sie hat eine zylindrische Kammer 48 mit einer Schüttung 53 aus Füllkörpern, Spänen od. dgl., in die von oben her ein durchlöchertes Rohr 49 ragt, das über eine Leitung 50 und ein einstellbares Drosselventil 51 mit dem unter Druck gesetzten Vorratsbehälter 9 verbunden ist. Die Kammer 48 ist von einem dampfbeheizten Doppelmantel 52 umgeben. An ihrem oberen Ende ist die Leitung 45 angeschlossen.The preparation device 8, which is used to generate the hot air-sterilizing agent vapor mixture used to sterilize the containers 3, is constructed in the manner of an exchange column. It has a cylindrical chamber 48 with a bed 53 of packing, chips or the like, into which a perforated tube 49 projects from above, which is connected via a line 50 and an adjustable throttle valve 51 to the pressurized reservoir 9. The chamber 48 is surrounded by a steam-heated double jacket 52. The line 45 is connected at its upper end.

Die beschriebene Vorrichtung arbeitet wie folgt: Zum Aufbereiten des für das Sterilisieren von Verpackungsbehältern 3 in der Sterilisierkammer 5 verwendeten Gemischs aus Heissluft und Sterilisiermitteldampf fördert das Umwälzgebläse 6 teils Umluft aus der Sterilisierkammer 5 und teils über die Leitung 38 und das Rückschlagventil 39 angesaugte Frischluft durch den Lufterhitzer 7 und die Aufbereitungseinrichtung 8. Die im Lufterhitzer auf etwa 125°C temperierte Heissluft strömt in der Aufbereitungseinrichtung 8 von unten durch die Schüttung 53 des Korbes 48. Dabei nimmt sie dort durch Wärme verdunstendes Sterilisiermittel, vorzugsweise 35%iges Wasserstoffperoxid bis zu einem unterhalb der Sättigungsgrenze liegenden Wert auf. Das bei Zimmertemperatur flüssige Peroxid wird durch den im Kopfraum des Vorratsbehälters 9 aufgebauten regelbaren Druck durch das einstellbare Drosselventil 51 und das Rohr 49 dosiert der Schüttung 53 zugeführt und dort verteilt. Die mit Peroxiddampf beladene Heissluft strömt durch die Leitung 45, die Querbohrung 29 und den Zuführkanal 24 in der Düse 20 in der Sterilisierkammer 5.The device described works as follows: In order to process the mixture of hot air and sterilant vapor used for the sterilization of packaging containers 3 in the sterilization chamber 5, the circulating blower 6 promotes partly circulating air from the sterilizing chamber 5 and partly fresh air sucked in via the line 38 and the check valve 39 through the Air heater 7 and the treatment device 8. The hot air, which is heated to about 125 ° C. in the air heater, flows in the treatment device 8 from below through the bed 53 of the basket 48. Thereby, it takes sterilizing agent evaporating through heat, preferably 35% hydrogen peroxide down to one the saturation limit. The peroxide which is liquid at room temperature is metered by the adjustable pressure built up in the head space of the storage container 9 through the adjustable throttle valve 51 and the pipe 49 and is distributed there. The hot air loaded with peroxide vapor flows through the line 45, the transverse bore 29 and the feed channel 24 in the nozzle 20 in the sterilization chamber 5.

Wenn zusammen mit dem Deckel 12 ein zu sterilisierender Behälter 3 mit seiner Öffnung nach unten in den Gefässteil 11 frei eingeführt ist und der Arbeitszylinder 27 den Ventilkörper 25 in die untere Stellung gezogen hat, in der dieser den Rohrstutzen 23 verschliesst und die Auslassöffnung der Düse 20 öffnet (Fig. 1), strömt das Heissluft-Peroxiddampfgemisch infolge Überdruck gegen den Boden des Behälters 3, wird dort umgelenkt, streicht dann im Ringspalt zwischen der Düse 20 und der Behältermantelinnenseite nach unten und von dort um die Öffnungskante des Behälters 3 herum wieder nach oben durch den Ringraum zwischen der Behältermantelaussenseite und der Innenseite des Mantels 16 sowie durch dessen Druchbrüche 32 in den Ringkanal 31 und von da aus durch die Leitungen 35, 36, 38 zur Saugseite des Umwälzgebläses 6. Beim Bestreichen der Wände des jeweils in die Sterilisierkammer 5 eingehängten Behälters 3, der normale Raumtemperatur aufweist, schlägt sich dort Peroxid aus dem Gemisch als dünner Flüssigkeitsfilm nieder. Das auf diese Weise sehr gleichmässig, ohne Tröpfchenbildung auf der Behälterwandung verteilte Peroxid übt eine intensive keimtötende Wirkung aus, so dass eine Behandlungsdauer von etwa 1,5-3 Sekunden die erwünschte Sterilität bewirken. Nach dieser Zeitdauer wird der Ventilkörper 25 in seine obere Stellung verschoben, so dass er die Auslassöffnung 21 der Düse 20 wieder schliesst und das Ende des Rohrstutzens 23 öffnet (Fig. 2). In dieser Stellung des Ventilkörpers 25 strömt das Gemisch vom Innern der Düse 20 in den Abführkanal 22 des Rohrstutzens 23 und durch diesen und die Querbohrung 28 sowie die Leitungen 37 und 38 wieder zur Saugseite des Umwäizgebläses 6. Durch die beschriebene Schaltung und durch den zusammen mit dem Rohrstutzen 23 und der Auslassöffnung 21 der Düse 20 ein Umschaltventil bildenden Ventilkörper 25 wird das Heissluft-Peroxiddampfgemisch sowohl während der Sterilisierphase als auch in den Zwischenphasen, in denen die Sterilisierkammer 5 be- und entladen wird, in einem kontinuierlichen Kreislauf geführt. Dabei bildet die Sterilisierkammer 5 einen Teil des Hauptkreislaufes, und dazu parallel der Abführkanal 22 im Rohrstutzen 23 und dieQuerbohrung 29 einen Bypass.If, together with the lid 12, a container 3 to be sterilized is freely inserted with its opening downward into the vessel part 11 and the working cylinder 27 has pulled the valve body 25 into the lower position in which it closes the pipe socket 23 and the outlet opening of the nozzle 20 opens (Fig. 1), the hot air-peroxide vapor mixture flows as a result of excess pressure against the bottom of the container 3, is deflected there, then brushes downward in the annular gap between the nozzle 20 and the inside of the container jacket and from there around the opening edge of the container 3 again above through the annular space between the outside of the container jacket and the inside of the jacket 16 and through its openings 32 in the annular channel 31 and from there through the lines 35, 36, 38 to the suction side of the circulation fan 6. When painting the walls of the respective in the sterilization chamber 5th suspended container 3, which has normal room temperature, there peroxide from the mixture thin film of liquid. The very evenly distributed peroxide in this way, without droplet formation, has an intensive germicidal effect, so that a treatment time of about 1.5-3 seconds brings about the desired sterility. After this period of time, the valve body 25 is shifted into its upper position, so that it closes the outlet opening 21 of the nozzle 20 again and opens the end of the pipe socket 23 (FIG. 2). In this position of the valve body 25, the mixture flows from the inside of the nozzle 20 into the discharge channel 22 of the pipe socket 23 and through this and the transverse bore 28 and the lines 37 and 38 back to the suction side of the Umwäizgebläses 6. By the circuit described and by the together with the pipe socket 23 and the outlet opening 21 of the nozzle 20, a valve body forming a changeover valve, the hot air / peroxide vapor mixture is conducted in a continuous cycle both during the sterilization phase and in the intermediate phases in which the sterilization chamber 5 is loaded and unloaded. The sterilization chamber 5 forms part of the main circuit, and parallel to this the discharge channel 22 in the pipe socket 23 and the transverse bore 29 form a bypass.

Nach dem Absperren der Gemischzufuhr in die Sterilisierkammer 5, bleibt diese noch etwa 3 Sekunden geschlossen, um das Peroxid wirken zu lassen. Eine andere Möglichkeit ist, die Kammer zu öffnen und den Peroxidniederschlag bei der offen stehenden Packung weiter wirken zu lassen. So verdampft das Peroxid leichter. Danach wird der Deckel 12 mit dem Behälter 3 nach oben gezogen. Schon während der Einwirkdauer beginnt das kondensierte Peroxid bei Erwärmung der Behälterwand in der bei Betrieb erhitzten Sterilisationskammer 5 wieder zu verdampfen. Die an sich geringe Peroxidmenge trocknet vollends auf, wenn die Sterilisierkammer 5 geöffnet wird. Zusätzlich verbliebene Peroxidreste können anschliessend durch Einblasen von trockener Heissluft ausgetrocknet werden.After the mixture feed into the sterilization chamber 5 has been shut off, it remains closed for about 3 seconds in order to let the peroxide act. Another option is to open the chamber and let the peroxide deposit continue to work when the package is open. This way the peroxide evaporates more easily. Then the lid 12 with the container 3 is pulled up. During the exposure time, the condensed peroxide begins to evaporate again when the container wall is heated in the sterilization chamber 5 heated during operation. The small amount of peroxide dries completely when the sterilization chamber 5 is opened. Any remaining peroxide residues can then be dried out by blowing in dry hot air.

Danach wird der sterilisierte, trockene Behälter 3 unmittelbar dem Füllen und Verschliessen zugeführt. Diese Behandlungen erfolgen in einem keimfrei gehaltenen Raum, in dem auch die Sterilisierkammer 5 angeordnet ist.The sterilized, dry container 3 is then fed directly to the filling and closing. These treatments take place in a sterile room in which the sterilization chamber 5 is also arranged.

Das dargestellte und beschriebene Ausführungsbeispiel hat nur eine Sterilisierkammer 5. Zur erhöhten Ausbringung sind im Rahmen der Erfindung auch Ausführungsformen denkbar, bei denen gleichzeitig mehrere Behälter oder auch Behälterteile sterilisiert werden und die dazu mehrere von einer einzigen Gemischaufbereitungseinrichtung gespeiste Sterilisierkammern oder in einer einzigen Sterilisierkammer mehrere Düsen und Umschaltventile haben.The exemplary embodiment shown and described has only one sterilization chamber 5. For increased output, embodiments are also conceivable within the scope of the invention in which a plurality of containers or container parts are sterilized at the same time and which, for this purpose, has a plurality of sterilization chambers fed by a single mixture preparation device or a plurality of nozzles in a single sterilization chamber and have switching valves.

In Fällen, wo die Aussenseite der Behälter nicht sterilisiert werden soll, werden die den Auslass der Sterilisierkammer bildenden Durchbrüche 32 und der Sammelring 30 am unteren Ende des Mantels 16 des Gefässteils 11 nahe dem Bodenstück angeordnet.In cases where the outside of the container is not to be sterilized, the openings 32 forming the outlet of the sterilization chamber and the collecting ring 30 are arranged at the lower end of the jacket 16 of the vessel part 11 near the base piece.

Wenn die Aussenseite des Bodens des Behälters 3 besonders intensiv bespült werden soll, ist es auch möglich, den Auslass für das Gemisch am Deckel der Sterilisierkammer in zentraler Lage anzuordnen.If the outside of the bottom of the container 3 is to be rinsed particularly intensively, it is also possible to arrange the outlet for the mixture in a central position on the lid of the sterilization chamber.

Beim Sterilisiervorgang kann die Packung natürlich auch stehen, d.h., der Behälter der Sterilisierkammer kann um 180° gedreht sein. Verdränger, Zu- und Ableitungen können dann mit dem beweglichen Teil verbunden sein, ebenso die seitlichen Wände des glockenförmigen Behälters.During the sterilization process, the package can of course also stand, i.e. the container of the sterilization chamber can be rotated by 180 °. Displacers, supply and discharge lines can then be connected to the movable part, as can the side walls of the bell-shaped container.

Claims (4)

1. Apparatus for the sterilisation of packaging containers, with a device (8) for preparing a hot air/sterilising agent vapour mixture, and having a chamber (5) which receives at least one container and can be closed and into which the prepared mixture is passed, characterised in that the chamber (5) together with the preparation device (8) is connected into a sterilising agent circulation, and that, parallel to the chamber (5), a by-pass (22, 28, 37) is provided which, when the chamber (5) is open, is connected into the circulation via a change-over valve (25).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that, in the chamber (5), a nozzle (20) is provided which, projecting into the container (3) inserted into the chamber, occupies the interior of the container, while leaving a gap.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the change-over valve (25) is located in the nozzle (20).
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, cracaterised in that the nozzle (20) contains, in addition to an outflow orifice (21), a feed channel (24) and a discharge channel (22), which channels can be mutually connected or disconnected by means of a valve body (25).
EP82111167A 1981-12-17 1982-12-02 Apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers Expired EP0082368B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19813150035 DE3150035A1 (en) 1981-12-17 1981-12-17 DEVICE FOR STERILIZING PACKAGING CONTAINERS
DE3150035 1981-12-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0082368A1 EP0082368A1 (en) 1983-06-29
EP0082368B1 true EP0082368B1 (en) 1985-11-06

Family

ID=6149005

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82111167A Expired EP0082368B1 (en) 1981-12-17 1982-12-02 Apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4511538A (en)
EP (1) EP0082368B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS58112930A (en)
DE (2) DE3150035A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3540161A1 (en) * 1985-11-13 1987-05-14 Pkl Verpackungssysteme Gmbh METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BACTERIZING PACKAGING MATERIAL, ESPECIALLY PACKAGING CONTAINERS
DE3640622A1 (en) * 1986-11-27 1988-06-09 Pkl Verpackungssysteme Gmbh METHOD FOR STERILIZING PACKAGING MATERIAL
DE3728595A1 (en) * 1987-08-27 1989-03-09 Ammann Siegfried Process and apparatus for preparing a hydrogen peroxide/air mixture for sterilising containers
GB8822551D0 (en) * 1988-09-26 1988-11-02 Elopak Systems Packaging
US5258162A (en) * 1989-11-07 1993-11-02 Tetra Alfa Holdings S.A. Method of producing a gaseous hydrogen peroxide-containing sterilization fluid
FR2666299B1 (en) * 1990-09-03 1994-10-21 Cmb Remy INSTALLATION FOR STERILIZATION OF CONTAINERS USING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND METHOD OF USE.
SE9003543L (en) * 1990-11-07 1991-09-23 Tetra Pak Holdings Sa MAKE STERILIZING A PACKAGING MATERIAL BY A FLUID STERILIZER
DE4305478A1 (en) * 1993-02-23 1994-08-25 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance Process and apparatus for sterilising packages
MY115198A (en) * 1995-08-11 2003-04-30 Nestle Sa Process and apparatus for sterilising surfaces
TW407122B (en) * 1998-02-19 2000-10-01 Shintaku Kogyo K K The autoclaving treatment of the plastic container and the apparatus thereof
DE102006036763A1 (en) * 2006-08-05 2008-02-07 Khs Ag Apparatus and method for the sterilization of containers
DE102007039010B4 (en) * 2007-08-17 2017-04-20 Khs Gmbh Dosing and supply system for devices for H2O2 sterilization of packaging materials and methods for this
CN106470905B (en) 2014-09-25 2019-10-25 大日本印刷株式会社 The method for disinfection of preform and resin container
AU2016275572B2 (en) * 2015-06-12 2020-09-10 Chevron Australia Pty Ltd Fumigant formulation and vaporising apparatus

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1954222A (en) * 1931-02-13 1934-04-10 Olson Bennett Can sterilizer and cleaner
US2014750A (en) * 1932-02-10 1935-09-17 Corp Of Seitz Werke G M B H Apparatus for sterilizing containers
US2501193A (en) * 1945-07-02 1950-03-21 Richard C Schulte Combined warmer and sterilizer for bottles and the like
US3723060A (en) * 1968-02-26 1973-03-27 Ex Cell O Corp Aseptic packaging machine
US3688783A (en) * 1970-08-17 1972-09-05 William E Owens Sanitizing apparatus
BE805663A (en) * 1973-10-04 1974-02-01 Altstaedter Verpack Vertrieb EQUIPMENT TO BE PACKED IN STERILE CONDITIONS
SE399039B (en) * 1975-04-07 1978-01-30 Ziristor Ab MAKE A CLEAN STERILIZER AMOUNT OF AIR AT THE MACHINE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF STERILE PACKAGING
DE2611173A1 (en) * 1976-03-17 1977-09-22 Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm METHOD OF STERILIZING HOLLOW BODIES
WO1979001074A1 (en) * 1978-05-16 1979-12-13 Ex Cell O Corp Method and means for applying bactericide to container for sterilization
US4296068A (en) * 1979-02-19 1981-10-20 Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for sterilizing a succession of food containers or the like
DE3125430A1 (en) * 1981-06-27 1983-01-20 Hick & Co Gmbh, 4901 Hiddenhausen METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STERILIZING CUP-SHAPED CONTAINERS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0082368A1 (en) 1983-06-29
DE3150035A1 (en) 1983-06-23
DE3267321D1 (en) 1985-12-12
JPS58112930A (en) 1983-07-05
US4511538A (en) 1985-04-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0082368B1 (en) Apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers
DE69121409T2 (en) SPRAYING AUTOCLAVE
DE69809287T2 (en) CONTINUOUS METHOD FOR HYPERACTIVATING STERILIZING LIQUIDS
EP2049275B1 (en) Process for sterilizing cleanrooms for the treatment and/or the filling and closure of vessels
DE3780687T2 (en) SYSTEM FOR CLEAN AIR.
DE2403913C2 (en) Method and device for the rapid cooling of containers in a boiler room
EP0381841A1 (en) Method and device for cleaning and sterilizing containers
EP0334288A1 (en) Method for filling containers aseptically (or in a sterile environment) with liquid products, and device for applying the method
DE4218941A1 (en) Beaker shaped packaging container sterilising appts. - has conveyor with carriers to move containers in upwards and downwards vertical paths to present interiors to heating and sterilising and drying jets
DE2020303C3 (en) Device for sterilizing a system for the thermal treatment of liquid products
CH699641B1 (en) Arrangement for the decontamination of a clean room and temporarily incorporated therein treated.
DE2702669A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATMENT OF ARTICLES IN AN AUTOCLAVE CHAMBER
DE3824923A1 (en) Apparatus for the sterilisation of containers
DE2839543C2 (en) Method and device for sterilizing or disinfecting containers, in particular yoghurt pots
DE2919015C2 (en) Method and device for sterile filling
DE2814147A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STERILIZING ARTICLES IN A TREATMENT CHAMBER OF AN AUTOCLAVE
DE1951486C3 (en) Method and device for disinfection and / or sterilization with a germicidal agent, in particular formalin, in connection with saturated steam
DE959851C (en) Process for the sterilization of items to be sterilized, in particular for medical or clinical purposes
DE1492497A1 (en) Process for generating dry, saturated steam in an autoclave and an autoclave for carrying out this process
DE10118580C2 (en) Process for treating the atmosphere in autoclaves
DE2056980A1 (en) Method and device for cleaning containers and lines for paint and the like
EP0854336B1 (en) Process for turning small objects in a container and apparatus for carrying out this method
DE900540C (en) Cleaning and sterilizing machine
DE899249C (en) Insert for steam sterilization vessels
DE2262685A1 (en) BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19831228

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3267321

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19851212

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19900905

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19901203

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19901228

Year of fee payment: 9

ITTA It: last paid annual fee
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19910227

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19910318

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19911202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19911203

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19911231

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19911231

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19920831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19920901

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 82111167.1

Effective date: 19920704